Warning issued to football fans over Euro ticket scams

Warwickshire police have warned people buying last-minute tickets to this year’s European Football Championships not to be caught out by fraudsters posing as official sellers.

Purchasing from an unauthorised seller or a ticket tout could leave the buyer out of pocket - not only are the tickets advertised at inflated prices, there is a risk that the tickets purchased are counterfeit or do not exist and individuals with counterfeit tickets will be refused entry.

In an an effort to prevent this happening, police have issued the following advice for football fans:

* Anyone wanting to sell their tickets can do so through the resale platform, where tickets will be re-sold at face value. For further information on this, visit the UEFA’s website: www.uefa.com

* Those seeking to purchase tickets are advised to check the UEFA website regularly as tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis and are likely to change regularly as different tickets become available to purchase.

* Only purchase tickets from an authorised seller by using the exchange portal.

* When using the portal do not be encouraged to contact the seller privately and complete the transaction outside of the portal.

* Be wary of purchasing tickets from a social media account. There is a risk that the ticket does not exist or is counterfeit. Consider conducting research on the information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated to them online.

* Avoid making payments through bank transfer or money transfer services, as the payment may not be recoverable.

Anyone who has been affected by this, or by any other scam, can report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk